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Thomas Stevens was the first person to circle the globe by bicycle. He rode a large-wheeled Ordinary, also known as a penny-farthing, from April 1884 to December 1886 He later searched for Henry Morton Stanley in Africa, investigated the claims of Indian ascetics and became manager of the Garrick Theatre in London.
Very interesting read, in my opinion, chronicling the late-19th century around the world journey, on a high-wheeled bicycle no less, of an English-born American newspaper reporter. The journey began and ended in San Francisco.
The better half between the two. A picaresque description of far off places in a lost time. His writing is stronger here and far more detailed. An enjoyable travelogue.
Mr. Stevens continues his trip around the world, providing a very colonial perspective of the different cultures of the eastern hemisphere. Pretty appalling in some places, also a lot of traveling by boat, all things considered.